The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1887-09-08

Il
not hev a thing go to waste, will pay yor
fair wages, and you can come to-morrer."
every WELL" answered the widow, -
will be on hand bright and early"
30, come nigh forgittin'I don't s'pose
you hev emmy objections to buildin' the
fires. and splittin' the kindlin' wood, anc
| goin' after the cows, and holm the garden
| hev youl Becky Jane alters did sech
work. instead Of gaddin' round among the
neighbors."
80, no indeedr' said the widow, with q
smile upon her lips, and a peculiar glitter
in her sharp, black eyes, ''not at all
always enjoy doing such work"
"Well," said Timothy, with sigh OF re-
lief, ~ guess this pesky matter is all set
| led, then; and Miranda will give you the
keys and show you over the house and barn,
and pint out the woodpile. Pm goln' up
stairs to lay down and take nap. I've got
| a dretful feelin' in my stummuck-"
"Really, Mr. Gee" said the widow, sew
eraI months later. II can not imagine how
you have managed to accumulate so much
property with your reckless style OF living.
Tea and coffee and sugar on the table every
day, with white bread and butter, to say
nothing Of meat and baked beans twice a
week. 1t is none of my business, but am
quite sure, if you keep on in this way, you
will come o want"
"Well, now, if you don't beat alli' said
Timothy, admiringly. Becky Jane WANT
nowhere alongside OF you to manage sharp;
and l thought she was treasure. Why, 1t
amt cost me but two dollars a week to
maintain my whole family, ever sence
you've been here, and you think you can
save a little on that, eh!'
Certainly. There is no need of using tea
or coffee. Hot water, sweetened with
molasses, and skim milk, is much more
wholesome; and corn cakes are much
cheaper than -four biscuit. In fact, Mr.
Gee, 1 have been surprised at your extraV-
agance."
al know" said Timothy, anXiously, sand
Dollie, my oldest gal, was tellin' me she
had got to hev new dress, and the four
boys wanted new suits, and collars, and
things. How much will it all cost! Two
dollars-three dollars''-
"Not a cent" answered the widow. GAS
if there wasn't enough Old garments in this
house to be made over, without cutting up
new cloth for growing children. Mr. Gee,
knowing, as you do, my economical habits,
1 am actually offended that you should pro
pose snch thing"
"Well, if you amt jewell" cried the
delighted Timothy. "With a woman like
you in the house TO manage things, l can
save up five hundred dollars year, clean
money"
"Yes, but have just got letter from
my brother. He has sent for me, and l
must go away the first of next month"
go aways" gasped Timothy. 80, no.
you mustn't 1t would jest ruin mel To
pull up stakes now, when things are run
ming so smooth. can't think of such a
thing"
'sIt's hard, Timothy, and I hate to leave
you and the dear children. But l feel that
my only bro her has the first claim on me-"
and the widow sighed deeply and felt for
her pocket-handkerchief.
20 Lordr" groaned Timothy. 80, dearl
This is worse than losin' Becky Jane. l.
obi what adretful happy man your husband
must hev been"
yes, Tilnothy," and the widow wiped
away an imaginary tear" 1 was always
very devoted TO my beloved Philander, and
made him prudent partner"
sSartain. Oh-I- How should like
to be in his saoes-ahem-not exactly that
-but-ah-take his place in your affections
in short-Mis' Rounds, will you take
Becky James place2" cried Timothy, des-
perstely, and he sank down in a splint-bot-
toned rocker and wiped the perspiration
from his face.
But the widow shook her head.
"Jehosaphatl you amt goin' to say noa
[ amt a bad lookin' critter, and I've got
property, and don'tsee what more you can
want"
'sYes, Timothy; but it is no use to discuss
the matter. shall live and die, faithful to
dear Philander's memory"
''But can't you give reasonp persisted
Timothy.
eyes, can give reason, and 1 don't
know but had better speak plainly. / do
like and respect you, limo thy, but you are
such an extravagant, wasteful man, l am
afraid, If / married you, should end my
days in the poorhouse."
La" said Timothy, in a relieved tone,
''if that's the only reason, guess we can
manage somehow. You can hev everything
your own way.'
''No, Timothy, there is only one condition
under which would consent to marry you,
and that is''-
"Whatr' queried Timothy, anxiously.
''That yon make your property all over
into my hands the day we are married, so
that it may never be squandered."
''Hoorahp' shouted Timothy, and he
clasped the widow in his arms. 'nTis
bargain, and will harness up old Doll, and
we will go right up to New Hampshire, and
buy license and be merried this very after
noon"
"We had better see the lawyer first"
suggested the widow.
swell, we must get spliced between now
and Sunday night, for Monday mornin' I've
got to go down to Portland, and set on the
jury all the week"
So the next Sunday afternoon, Timothy
harnessed his horse and he and the widow
drove away to a sleepy little village some
twenty miles distant where they were pro-
nounced man and wife.
81 s'pose 1 had ought to get the children
something down to the city," said Timothy
to his wife, the next morning, as she was
assisting him to put on his coat. "But-oh,
goodness! Here's the stage. Ican't stop
rinutel Hand me my carpet-bag. Good
bye;" and Timothy took his departure.
"Yes," said Timothy, as he toiled wearily
over the dusty, country road, "rm most
home, and I'm thankful. WANTED to bring
home little candy, or somethin' for the
children, but their mother is so dretful sot
agin spendiR' money foolish, 1 give it up,
and Hello! what's upl That amt my
honse-yes tits. Thuuderation! must be
dreamin, ~ and Timothy rubbed his eyes in
a bewildered way, and stared helplessly
around him.
For the old farmhouse presented an un-
usual scene of hustle and confusion A
dozen carpenters were busily engaged shin
Cling, cIapboarding and putting the finish
ing touches to a new piazza and fancifur
summer-house in the garden. Painters aud